Toronto Marlies sign Jordan Papirny to ATO

The Toronto Marlies have picked themselves up a little bit of support in goal this week, signing 21-year-old netminder Jordan Papirny to an Amateur Tryout contract on Tuesday.

Regular Season

Playoffs

SEASON

TEAM

LEAGUE

GP

GAA

SVS%

GP

GAA

SVS%

2009-10

SSAC Lions Bantam AAA

AMBHL

17

2.12

0.906

–

2.87

.902

2010-11

SSAC Lions Bantam AAA

AMBHL

18

1.81

0.918

SSAC Midget AA 2

NAMHL

–

5.14

0.875

Team Edmonton South

Alberta Cup

3

3.2

0.886

2011-12

SSAC Athletics Midget AAA

AMHL

20

3.76

0.871

–

–

–

Team Alberta

WCCC-16

2

1

0.95

2012-13

Brandon Wheat Kings

WHL

3

2.84

0.893

Sherwood Park Crusaders

AJHL

1

7.48

0.818

SSAC Athletics Midget AAA

AMHL

22

2.59

0.915

14

1.61

.946

Canada Pacific U17

WHC-17

1

6

0.833

2013-14

Brandon Wheat Kings

WHL

46

3.28

0.9

9

3.45

.914

2014-15

Brandon Wheat Kings

WHL

59

2.74

0.91

19

2.55

.921

2015-16

Brandon Wheat Kings

WHL

54

2.61

0.91

21

2.93

.897

Brandon Wheat Kings

Mem Cup

3

5.16

0.839

2016-17

Brandon Wheat Kings

WHL

26

3.24

0.906

Swift Current Broncos

WHL

17

3.15

0.909

14

2.48

.935

While the reason behind the move hasn’t been completely laid out just yet, there are a few potential angles to consider. The most obvious one is

The most obvious one is injury; both the Marlies and their ECHL affiliate, the Orlando Solar Bears had notable injuries occur with their starters in recent games. Garret Sparks was involved in a collision with Miles Wood in Game 2 against the Devils, while Ryan Massa suffered a head injury in an all-out brawl against the Florida Everblades.

With that said, Sparks’ disappearance from the last game appears to have been a preventative decision with a three-goal lead in tow, and while the idea of Kasimir Kaskisuo going down to try to keep the Bears alive sounds good on the surface, it would’ve been put into action already if it was a realistic option; Orlando has already played two games with Mitch Gilliam and Kris Joyce donning the pads. It hasn’t gone too well for them, with both games becoming losses, but one would suspect that Gilliam will be back in net for tonight’s winner-take-all Game 7.

More likely, the Marlies are more focused on getting a fourth goaltender to join the team for practices once the Leafs’ junior core begins to make their way to the Marlies; typically at this time of year, Toronto’s roster balloons to the point of requiring separate scrimmages to get all their players on the ice.

It also gives them a look towards next year; of all the above goaltenders mentioned, only Kaskisuo has a contract next year. Should they choose to not qualify Sparks (or the not previously mentioned Antoine Bibeau) and not offer Massa a shot at the AHL next year, bringing in Papirny now could be a precursor to a contract or at least a training camp invite. Certainly, his experience with playing starters minutes and his solid (though not elite) numbers in junior would lead you to believe that he’s got a shot at continuing his hockey career into the pro ranks.

Until we know for sure, though, he’s just another player on a list of many hoping to get a look.

1 Comment |

With the influx of players into camp now is the right time to get a closer look at goalies. Usually the problem is finding goalies ice time, be it in games or practises. Smart move by what appears to be a smart front office.